Should You Take the ACT Science Section?

ACT Science is now optional — but what does “optional” exactly mean?

Most students are surprised to learn that the ACT Science section is now optional. So should you take it or skip it ?

What the section actually tests

Despite the name, ACT Science isn’t about memorizing biology facts or chemistry equations. It tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning, so it is closer to reading comprehension than lab work. Students who handle graphs and experiments well often find the Science subsection more manageable than they expect.

Who requires it?

Very few schools require the ACT Science section. Only five colleges currently require it:

✓ Georgetown University

✓ Boston University

✓ Marquette University

✓ Pomona College

✓ East Carolina University

Carnegie Mellon, Duke, University of Michigan, and a few STEM-focused schools recommend it. Most schools (including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and hundreds of others) treat it as truly optional. Penn State, Virginia Tech, Northeastern, and Wake Forest don’t consider it at all.

"Optional is not the same as irrelevant. Know the colleges on your school list before you decide."

Take it or skip it?

Take it if...

...Any school on your list requires or recommends it, you're applying to STEM programs, or you score well on practice sections.

Skip it if...

...Every school on your list marks it 'not considered' and your energy is better spent on the remaining core sections. Skip if practice tests suggest that you may not perform well on this section. When sending your ACT score to colleges, know that they will see your Science section if you sat for that portion of the test.

There is one more reason to take it even when optional: your college list may change. Having the Science score on file gives you some extra flexibility.

Not sure about the right testing strategy? We're here to help!

Contact achievecoach.com to book a personalized session.

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Marla Platt, M.B.A. is an independent college consultant based in Sudbury, MA through AchieveCoach College Consulting, providing expert and personalized college counseling to students and families throughout the college planning, search and admissions process. Marla is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and can be reached via www.achievecoach.com

Serving high school students in: Sudbury, Wayland, Acton, Groton, Hopkinton, Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Natick, Needham, Brookline, Bolton, Concord, Carlisle, Lexington, Framingham, Dover, Sherborn, Grafton, Hopkinton, Arlington, Cambridge and all of Metrowest Boston and New England.